Manga author Nanaki Nanao has announced that their Völundio ~Divergent Sword Saga~ (also known as Iken Senki Völundio) manga will resume serialization on December 8. This eagerly anticipated return follows a hiatus initiated in May of this year.
Hiatus and Author’s Health Considerations
The decision to pause the manga’s serialization in May was made to ensure the quality of the work and to prioritize Nanao’s health. Earlier plans aimed for a resumption in August or September, but the December date was chosen due to factors including the stock of manuscripts and the author’s well-being. Nanao provided an update on August 22, confirming they were in good health and able to work at a comfortable pace.
Previous Hiatus and Second Part Launch
This isn’t the first time Völundio ~Divergent Sword Saga~ has taken a break. The manga’s first part concluded in November 2023, followed by a lengthy hiatus to allow for preparation of the second part and to address Nanao’s deteriorating physical condition at the time. The series successfully resumed and launched its second part in December 2024.
About Völundio ~Divergent Sword Saga~
Völundio ~Divergent Sword Saga~ is a fantasy manga that began with a prologue chapter on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE service in August 2020. Shogakukan released the manga’s eighth compiled book volume on March 12. The series garnered recognition in 2022, ranking #18 in the web manga category of the eighth “Next Manga Awards” (Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Taishō).
Comikey publishes the manga digitally in English and describes the story as follows: “I want to live a peaceful and stable life! That’s my dream! That’s why I refuse to die here!” The narrative centers on Cleo, a mercenary whose ambition is to purchase a home and live in peace. However, his plans are complicated when he encounters Kohaku, a mysterious demi-human girl who claims to have foreseen his death and vows to protect him from danger.
Nanaki Nanao’s Other Works: Helck
Nanaki Nanao is also widely known for their fantasy manga Helck. Helck was serialized on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE and Ura Sunday services from 2014 to 2017, concluding with 12 volumes. Viz Media is releasing the Helck manga in English. An anime adaptation of Helck premiered in Japan in July 2023 and aired for two continuous cours. HIDIVE streamed the series as it aired. Völundio ~Divergent Sword Saga~ is considered a related work set in the world of Helck.
